1.
Spanish is spoken the same everywhere.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Spanish is not spoken the same everywhere. While Spanish is the official language in many countries, there are variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar across different regions. These variations are known as dialects. For example, Spanish spoken in Spain differs from the Spanish spoken in Latin America. Additionally, within Latin America, there are further variations in different countries and even within different regions of the same country. Therefore, the statement that Spanish is spoken the same everywhere is false.
2.
English is the official language of the U.S.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
English is not the official language of the U.S. The United States does not have an official language at the federal level. While English is the most widely spoken language in the country, there is no official designation. The U.S. has a history of linguistic diversity, and many other languages are spoken throughout the country.
3.
New Mexico was once part of Mexico.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
New Mexico was once part of Mexico because it was originally a territory of Mexico before it became a state of the United States. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and New Mexico became a part of the newly formed country. However, in 1848, as a result of the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded New Mexico to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Therefore, it is true that New Mexico was once part of Mexico.
4.
Everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "Everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish" is not true because while Spanish is the official language of Mexico, there are also several indigenous languages spoken by various indigenous communities in the country. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish.
5.
Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. It is a celebration of the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Mexico's Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16th, commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.
6.
The U.S. has a larger Spanish speaking population than Spain.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The U.S. has a larger Spanish speaking population than Spain because of its large immigrant population from Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Additionally, Spanish is commonly taught in schools across the U.S., further increasing the number of Spanish speakers. Spain, on the other hand, has a smaller population and is the only predominantly Spanish-speaking country in Europe. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the U.S. has a larger Spanish speaking population than Spain.
7.
A person who speaks Spanish is Spanish.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is incorrect because speaking Spanish does not determine a person's nationality or ethnicity. A person who speaks Spanish could be from various countries such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, or any other Spanish-speaking country. Additionally, there are many people around the world who speak Spanish as a second language or have learned it for various reasons. Therefore, speaking Spanish does not automatically make someone Spanish.
8.
A Mexican can be blonde, blue eyed.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because Mexico is a diverse country with a mixed population. While the majority of Mexicans have a mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) heritage, there are also Mexicans of European descent who may have features like blonde hair and blue eyes. This is due to historical factors such as colonization and immigration. Therefore, it is possible for a Mexican to have these physical characteristics.
9.
English is more common than Spanish worldwide.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
English is not more common than Spanish worldwide. Spanish is actually the second most spoken language in the world, with over 460 million native speakers and over 580 million total speakers. English, on the other hand, is the third most spoken language, with around 360 million native speakers and over 1.5 billion total speakers. Therefore, the statement that English is more common than Spanish worldwide is false.
10.
Taco Bell is Mexican food.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Taco Bell is not considered authentic Mexican food. While it may be inspired by Mexican cuisine, it has been heavily Americanized and adapted to suit the preferences of a wider audience. The menu at Taco Bell includes items like nachos, burritos, and tacos, but the ingredients and flavors are often different from traditional Mexican dishes. Therefore, the statement that Taco Bell is Mexican food is false.